Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin would represent “the most effective way forward” in light of the stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing war, coinciding with celebrations for Ukraine’s Independence Day.
As Ukraine marked its independence amid the fourth year of conflict, it conducted drone strikes on Russia, which ignited a fire at a nuclear power facility.
Following a push from U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate a summit between Ukraine and Russia, hopes for a peaceful resolution dwindled when Russia, on Friday, dismissed the possibility of an immediate meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
However, Zelensky emphasized on Sunday that “the format of discussions between leaders is the most productive path ahead,” reiterating his calls for a direct summit with Putin.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier accused Western nations of seeking “an excuse to obstruct negotiations” and criticized Zelensky for insisting on an immediate meeting at all costs.
Zelensky committed to “pushing Russia toward peace” during a ceremony attended by U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg, who received the Ukrainian Order of Merit, along with other Western dignitaries.
With the war having resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, Russia has recently reported new territorial gains, including the capture of two villages in the eastern Donetsk region on Saturday.
On Sunday, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky announced that three additional villages had been reclaimed in Donetsk, which has become a central point for peace discussions.
The drone strikes on Russia during Ukraine’s Independence Day included one that was intercepted over the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in western Russia.
Additionally, Russian officials reported that Ukrainian drones were shot down in areas far from the frontline, including St. Petersburg in the northwest.
Over the port of Ust-Luga on the Gulf of Finland, ten drones were intercepted, causing a fire at a fuel terminal owned by Russian energy company Novatek, according to local authorities.
During the ceremony celebrating the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Zelensky remarked: “This is how Ukraine retaliates when its appeals for peace are not acknowledged.”
“Today, both the U.S. and Europe concur: Ukraine has not yet achieved a complete victory, but it will certainly not face defeat. Ukraine has secured its independence. It is not a victim; it is a warrior.”
He also indicated that the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine post-conflict would be “essential” as Kyiv works on potential security assurances with its allies.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his visit to Kyiv, stated that it is not “Russia’s decision how Ukraine’s future sovereignty, independence, and freedom are ensured.”
Zelensky expressed gratitude to global leaders such as Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, British King Charles, and Pope Leo for their messages marking the occasion.
Norway announced it would contribute 7 billion kroner (approximately $700 million) as part of a joint commitment with Germany to provide Ukraine with two complete U.S. Patriot missile systems that Germany currently possesses.
The Norwegian government indicated that these systems, which are presently in Germany, would be delivered to Ukraine “as soon as possible.”
